Confocal.nl NL5+ line-scanning confocal system

The NL5+ confocal system is the second generation of fast line-scanning confocal technologies from Confocal.nl, providing high-contrast images from thicker specimens such as organoids, tissue samples, and plant and animal model organisms. It is designed to provide high temporal resolution, while at the same time reducing phototoxicity; since phototoxicity is one of the biggest challenges for researchers, this makes the device useful for live cell imaging.

The NL5+ module can be added to any widefield microscope to turn it into an advanced 3D fast-scanning confocal imaging system. The NL5+ system is available as a complete package with options for confocal, widefield or brightfield observations.

The combination of sCMOS camera-based detection with sensitivity up to 96% QE and a set of filters allows acquisition of images in up to six different colours; this should provide an improved temporal resolution, high sensitivity and good signal-to-noise ratio. Additional motorised single-band emission filters enable even faster imaging with cleaner results. Resolution in real time is 170 nm with deconvolution, while the FOV is 18 mm (FN18) with 330 x 330 µm (40x objective). The speed in line-scanning mode is up to 75 fps for 2048 x 512 px and up to 55 fps for 2048 x 2048 px.

Line-rescan microscopy using the system is suitable for biological applications where a combination of speed and high sensitivity is required. For example, it is possible to study organoids from different organs, such as the intestine, liver, kidney and brain. The product can provide information on morphology, cell differentiation, gene expression, signal transduction, and interactions of organoids with their environment. This can enable insights into the development, function and pathology of organs, and to new possibilities for personalised medicine.